For the truly Assos-centric cyclist.

How do you improve upon perfection? We imagine that Assos wrestles with this question every time it starts to design a new product. However, where Assos differs from others is that it's able to fall back on its Werksmannschaft (factory team) and dedicated equipe campionissimo riders (you're probably one of them) for inspiration when it gets an artistic block. And for this year, that's exactly what Assos did. Listening to constant feedback, Assos designed the finest gilet in its history with the iG.falkenZahn Vest.

Don't let the name fool you, this gilet has nothing to do with either falcons or teeth — we're using the literal translation, here. Instead, the iG.falkenZahn vest is the latest delivery from the Assos Werksmannschaft. What's this? Without getting lost in translation again, it's the Assos factory team. The rider development arm of Assos since 1978, the Werksmannschaft rides through real world conditions every day in order to develop apparel to meet the needs, concepts, and designs of the 'Assosnatic' cyclist. This year, its initiative was to create a new layer of versatility for the Assos Layering System (ALS). So, how does it work?

Starting with the construction, the falkenZahn has six fabrics strategically placed throughout the gilet, with the bulk of construction being comprised of the exclusive Assos RXQ material. This fabric features a dual-layer composition where the outer-layer appears fleecy, and the inner-layer is razor thin. Assos considers this final layer to be a 'transportation' textile with the dual purpose of moving moisture away from the skin and insulating. The concept operates on a push-pull methodology, where sweat is pushed away while warmth is pulled in closer to the body. However, none of this could take place without RXQ's hollow-fiber construction. The open cells perform all of the aforementioned, only at an accelerated pace. Additionally, the material has natural antibacterial properties. Altogether, the system is highly effective at maintaining your 'internal microClima,' or more simply put, your temperature inside the vest.

For the fit, Assos delivered in typical Assos fashion — perfection. The falkenZahn uses 17 separate patterns to provide its signature second-skin fit. Combining what Assos calls its Advanced Ergonomic Pattern Design (AEPD) racing cut with its cycling-specific body-mapping pattern design, the falkenZahn benefits from the most thought-out designing process in the business. Assos is the first to tell you that high-end materials mean nothing if the cut is bad. That's why it's spent a maddening amount of time on two points of study — how the body is shaped, and how it changes throughout the movements of cycling. Accordingly, the AEPD cut is made for the shape of cycling, not standing (just a little something to remember when you try it on). With the falkenZahn, the cut greets the contours of your body and adds a slight compression to aid in muscle recovery and stabilization. It's worth noting that AEPD achieves this without adding a sensation of pressure. The characteristics of AEPD, combined with falkenZahn's rear stabilizer panel, literally make the vest 'click' into place for the ultimate in cycling fit.

For storage, Assos provided three ample rear pockets with a zippered center pocket. The zip pocket has also been given a membrane casing for added water-resistance. Other features of the falkenZahn include a windproof collar and a full-length zipper with upper-flap protection.

The Assos iG.falkenZahn Vest is available in seven sizes from X-Small to TIR and in the colors Black Volkanga, Blue Calypso, Red Swiss, Yellow Volt, and White Panther. Please note that this vest falls under an all-year-round ClimaRange. This means that it's able to be added to all Assos products in order to enhance your ride experience.

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Use with ALS or be disappointed

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: Runs small

(Or, 'why did Assos make a vest that is not a gilet'?)

Other reviewers have noted that this vest doesn't block the wind. This would be a design flaw if it weren't for the fact that Assos designs 'outfits'. In Assos-land (admittedly, only Assos fanboys live here), this jersey is an insulating layer, to be worn over a wind-stopping jersey like the iJ.Intermediate_s7, or a wind-stopping baselayer like the LS.Skinfoil_Winter_S7 body insulator. If you wear this vest with either of those, you won't be disappointed.

Also, these things are *SMALL*. I wear an XS in Assos jerseys, but I had to get a M in the FalkenZahn.

Comment on Jeff H.'s review:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

Falkenzahn Vest

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: Runs small

Size Bought: Extra Large / Assos Size II

I love this vest it is heavy enough to wear with just a craft short sleeve wind block base layer and the Assos intermediate S7 long sleeve jersey down to temperatures in the low 30's (fahrenheit) It does run a size small for sure but the fit is outstanding once sized correctly. This allows easy range of motion without the restriction of a heavier winter jacket. I am of short stature but powerfully built 5'7 180 lbs with 12% body fat, most winter jackets are too long and restrictive so this vest works perfectly for me.

Comment on Eric H.'s review:

Perfect Addition To My Assos Collection

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: Runs small

Size Bought: Large

This vest has exceeded my expectations. Paired with Assos 4/7 Fall ALS base layer I ride with comfort in 44-50 degree temps. If there is wind to contend with I simply add Assos sJ. blitzFeder wind breaker, once the weather warms the blitzFeder folds into it's sewn-in pouch to a total size of a small orange. The vest size runs small. I am 5'9" 160lbs. 40" chest, and purchased a large which is one size larger than my other Assos garments. The large fit on me is a true firm race fit.

Comment on John E Mueller's review:

Excellent but with flaws

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: Runs small

Size Bought: Large

I own 3 Assos vests. 1. BlitzFeder(super light weight super compact for early fall) 2. The classic Element Zero(Spring, Mid to Late fall). 3. The latest FalkenZahn. Two early ones are both size Medium. More on the FalkenZah sizing later. I love vests. They're modular, compact and easy on-off while you're riding.

About the FalkenZahn.

Pros: Uber stylish, the typical futuristic look from the A brand. Great cut(if sized correctly). Super attention to the details. Great color combination except for that screaming yellow. Assos phased out the screaming yellow and the Clypso(Blue), leaving only Red, Black and White. I really like the sky blue color(Clypso). My BlitzFeder is white and my ElementZero is red. So the Clypso was just the color I don't have. I picked one up from Competitive Cyclist when they closed out those two colors.

The vest is warm and cozy. But it never traps the moisture. It makes you stay dry on the long climbs. You can unzip the collar for more ventilation and never feel over heating to unzip completely. A perfect thermo vest from 45F to 55F depend on how you layer underneath.

Now cons:

Two things.

1. This vest runs small even by Assos race fit standard. This reminds me my old SS 13 jersey. I had to go one size up. I'm exact 6' 183cm. 155 pounds. 39 inches chest. I'm usually size Medium in other Assos stuff except for the SS 13 and the FalkenZahn. This vest really runs small and snug to a point it's hard to breath even in tucked in bike position. Size large fits much better. It's still form fitting and snug, but never restrictive like the medium. So I'd advise size up one.

2. Wind blocking feature is somewhat disappointing. I thought the FalkenZahn should be even more wind blocking than my ElementZero and BlitzFeder. But it's not. On a long descent, I could still feel cold air slipping through the open weaves of the RXQ material in the chest area. By comparison, my old ElementZero makes a dead stop with the wind. The FalkenZahn's wind blocking level is about the same as my BlitzFeder. Now FalkenZahn is considered as a deep fall and early winter vest, where the BlitzFeder is a late spring and early summer wind shell. The FalkenZahn price is almost twice as much as the BlitzFeder. Hence, I was a bit disappointed with the wind block level on the FalkenZahn consider it replaces the older ElementZero as the warmest deep fall/winter thermo vest Assos has to offer.

Comment on Steven B.'s review:

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Fantastic Piece!

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

This vest is my go to through spring and fall. The fit is amazing, as with all Assos gear, doesn't feel great walking around but perfection when you're working it over on the bike. The front around the stomach section is quite thin, almost like a very stretchy Lycra, but as you move up it thickens and gives you protection where you need it. The fit and movement of this vest is amazing. Placement of every seam and altering materials makes this the best fitting/usable vest I have worn.....ever!!!